Thread: help with my '48 ford coupe

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Hi fellow gearheads

I just got myself a '48 ford coupe

And ofcourse i've got some questions.
Here we go : I've been searching the web for tips and tricks, but
have'nt found anyone who have swaped for a 5-speed T-5 (camaro) gearbox,
I've got a chevy 350 with a 350 tranny.

Also, what's the best front and rear suspension setup?

Hope i can get some answers from you guys

Welcome aboard! Hopefully you can share some pics (after you're "initiation")...

What part of the swap are you searching for? besides the flywheel / Bell Housing / trans, you'll need to decide how to release the clutch, mechanical linkage or hydraulics to operate the throwout bearing. Then there's the crossmember with trans mount and of course the driveshaft to worry about..

Have you considered any of these topics? I don't know of anyone who makes a "kit" to toss one in. But maybe there is!

Welcome to CHR Pictures are always great to see. ALSO you will get more info on here than you can imagin. Good luck with the project

Welcome to CHR Mart1n!
Its been nearly twenty years since we did our engine/trans/suspension swap in our '47 Ford sedan.
We used Jaguar suspension, (don't recall what model, but think it was XJ6,) and it was a straightforward exercise, with everything retained in its original 'cage' and just bolted/welded in.
Initially we used an Oldsmobubble 350 donkey and box, later upgrading to a crate Chev 350/350.
We had to recess the firewall to get it in, so I went to the local Hospice shop and got an oven baking dish, chopped off one end, split it down the middle, folded some panel steel to go between the two halves, welded it in, and that gave us our recess, with nice compound curves in the corners.
The engine/transmission mounts were then built to suit.
As I say, it was quite a while back; but I don't recall any 'major' hassles.
It was all pretty simple.
(Like me . . . I'm pretty simple!)

Thank's for the replies so far I got the T-5, flywheel, clutch and bellhouse,
any ideas about what kind of clutch pedal i can use? I've already got the parts for
a hydraulic clutch release setup what i'm really looking for is a build thread so i can
get some ideas for how to do it

Well, you could use the original style gear and fab a mount for a master cylinder, find the pedal & linkage at a swap meet or one of the online auction places. Or use a wildwood setup??

I think randyr did something similar in his coupe or was it his truck??? He'll be along and add his 2 cents.. careful tho'... he'll be pretty demanding about the pics.. or lack thereof! 8-)

thanks 34_40

PS! i will be posting some pics when i get them off my camera

I think you'll need to hit 10 or more posts before pics can be posted.. depending on how the mods feel..

I'll post another vote for the XJ6 front and rear suspension. In my opinion, a Camaro T5 ain't gonna stand up very long if you do any power shifting or side-steppin' the clutch. Take pedal assemblies out of a pickup truck. You may need to reinforce the firewall. If you need to move the motor back a little, cut the firewall out and weld in a wheelbarrow. Makes a neat-lookin' indentation in the firewall with smooth corners and all.
1967 Chevy Camaro Project Wheelbarrow Firewall Photo 27

Originally Posted by 34_40

Well, you could use the original style gear and fab a mount for a master cylinder, find the pedal & linkage at a swap meet or one of the online auction places. Or use a wildwood setup??

I think randyr did something similar in his coupe or was it his truck??? He'll be along and add his 2 cents.. careful tho'... he'll be pretty demanding about the pics.. or lack thereof! 8-)

Well, Mike, here I am digging in my pocket for 2 cents....

Actually, my T5 conversion is in my '37 Ford sedan. I'm running a Ford 302 and thus used the Mustang T5. The '48 chassis is a bit wider than the '37 but there are enough similarities that can compare and figure out a few things.

If you want to put/keep the pedals/MC/etc under the floor here's what I did in the long, drawn out thread of my build the trans/clutch/pedals stuff starts on Page 32, post #469.....37 Ford build--IE: old Header issues thread /37 Ford/5.0/GT40P heads


There are also some under the dash units from Kugel and a few others that look interesting for pedal setup...
Reverse 90° Under Dash : Kugel Komponents, Quality Komponents Since 1969

Welcome to CHR! Hope that helps a little.....

Thanks Randy! I knew it was in one of you're threads but it's been SO LONG since any work has been completed... I forgot!! rofl...

Thanks Randyr for your links think this will point me somewhere in the rigth direction i'll make a build log when i start after the summer. for now, i'm jus gonna have fun and use the car